Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
“Cool doesn’t even come close.” That’s how Visordown summarized the iconic RD400 in one sentence, but the longer story isn’t very complicated, either. The RD400 came about when Yamaha made the RD350 a bit bigger in 1976 – displacement was 399cc. The 400 motor boasted the same bore as the 350; however, Yamaha increased the stroke, and thereby had to build new crankcases as well. Thanks to some 44 horses on tap, the bigger RD was capable of hitting the ton with a top speed of 105 miles per hour.
Most people know the 400 simply for being an easier to ride upgrade over the 350, but it was also notable for being the first production motorcycle to feature cast wheels as standard. The bike weighed about 350 pounds, and it was the most popular two-stroke sportbike of its day.
This example is VIN: 1A1350574. Per the seller, “My brother, who taught me to ride when I was 16, gave me the bike in 1990 or 1991. I am a woman in my mid-sixties. I have owned it since, and as you can see, I didn’t put many miles on it. I have always garaged it. It starts on the first kick. I found the seat cover somewhere that advertised Yamaha parts, when I first got the bike (the one on the bike had a tear in it). I put it on myself, and I believe it is OEM. The guy I spoke with when I ordered it said it was original.”
The odometer shows 9,721 miles.
Maintenance:
The seller states that “The bike has been stored inside throughout its life. My husband would maintain it for me. I had the front master cylinder rebuilt recently, and put in a new battery.”
Modifications:
Recovered seat.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Gold Seal K127 tires.
The sale includes one key, owner’s manual, and service manual.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“Dent on front & rear fender.”
“Small dent in gas tank.”
“Little rust on the chain guard.”
“Slight wrinkling on side of seat.”
Currently located in New Paltz, New York, this Yamaha is offered on a clean New York title. Have any RD400E stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
